A New Daddy

The senior staff laughed and talked as they piled into the briefing room for what they thought was a routine meeting. Kathryn stood between the window and the table with Amaya and watched as they all entered and took their seats. Chakotay, who was already seated, could tell she was more worried about what their reaction would be than she was letting on. She was pale, and her fingers kept fidgeting with her commbadge.

Harry approached Kathryn. "Seven and the Doctor can't make it, Captain. Something's come up in sickbay. Something with Icheb, I think."

Kathryn gave a nod. "Thank you for telling me."

At last, everyone was seated and all eyes lay on the captain. Kathryn nervously cleared her throat, and then began to speak.

"Commander Chakotay and I have summoned you here this morning because we would like to discuss something with you." She paused. "As you know, because of our situation, I have lifted the protocol issue regarding personal relationships. Relationships are permitted so long as they are conducted maturely and providing that the Commander and I are informed of any attachments. This is absolutely vital to maintaining professionalism, and so far many crew members have been able to successfully combine both a professional and a personal relationship." She paused uncomfortably. "Commander Chakotay and I ... we ... we have come to realize that we care for each other very much and we would like to pursue a personal relationship."

At this, the senior staff turned to look at each other, but said nothing.

Before Katherine or Chakotay could say anything else everyone leaped up from their seats and rushed over to congratulate them. Katherine smiled and realized that she was able to relax. She hadn't heard so many congratulations in her life.

She waited for at least one question, perhaps even a concern.

But there were none.

The only sound that greeted her ears was amused laughter.

Kathryn stared at her officers in confusion. Her eyes met Harry's and he smiled warmly. "Forgive us, Captain, but we've all long guessed how you and the Commander feel about each other. We've just wondered how long it would take you both to realize it."

Kathryn felt her cheeks blaze from a feeling of foolishness, but she also felt a sense of relief.

Tom got up from his chair and went over to her. "You'll find no opposition from anyone on this ship, Captain. Everyone thinks highly of you and the Commander and would like you to be happy."

A tug on her pant leg brought her attention to the 'little captain', as everyone was calling her.

"Amaya have mommy and now daddy?"

Kathryn laughed, "Yes my little captain."

Amaya smiled and hugged her 'mother' and ran over to her new 'father', who picked her up and spun her around. "How about after duty, how 'bout we take a little family bonding?"

Before Kathryn could answer, the ship trembled. "Red alert. All hands to battle stations."

Chakotay an Kathryn exchanged look and ran to get to the bridge. "Report!"

"Unknown species attacked unprovoked." Tuvok answered. "They are equal to us in technology."

"Hail them." After a few moments, Tuvok's console beeped. "Answering to our hail."

"On screen."

The black screen took the appearance of a green alien. He had a Klingon face, but Vulcan or maybe Romulan ears. "I am Captain Ta'Ku of the Planet Kunan. You have our prisoner. Give her back immediately or we will be forced to take her by force."

"I am Captain Janeway. I am sorry Captain, but we have no prisoner of yours."

"Like hell you don't!" Ta'Ku grunted. "What do you call that." He said and pointed to a figure behind her. A little head poked itself from behind Kathryn. The head belonged to Amaya.

"We saved this girl from death. She is not yours."

"She is mine! I bought her, she was my slave, and is now a prisoner! She will die for what she has done to our people."

"I will not give her up, I do not believe you. This girl could not have done anything to your people."

"I am sorry Captain, but if you will not give her up, I will take her by force." He said and was about to end the transmition when a small voice spoke up.

"No!" Amaya stepped out from behind Kathryn. "I will not let you harm my family!"

Ta'Ku laughed, "What are you going to do prisoner, shoot at us. Hah! You make me laugh!"

Kathryn walked up to her daughter and held her with an arm, "She might not do anything, but her mother sure will. Tuvok, fire three photon torpedoes at their port side."

Tuvok nodded and fired. "Their shields are failing."

Kathryn smirked at the alien, "Another hit and you will be done."

Ta'Ku stuttered, "You-you would."

"Tuvok…"

"I-I- I am sorry for stopping you Captain. I hope you have a safe trip." He said and the screen turned black.

"Commander you have the bridge. I am taking Amaya home." Without a reply, Kathryn left with her daughter.